Google Unveils Pixel 10a

Google unveiled its new smartphone, the $499 Pixel 10a. The company stuck with the now-standard pitch of the smartphone running AI and offering a host of photography and video features, though it also highlighted sustainability credentials unparalleled in its previous A-branded models.

Google stated the device features more recycled materials than any A-series Pixel device to date, with recovered cobalt, copper, gold, and tungsten making their respective debuts. The aluminium frame is totally recycled, and 81% of the back cover is made of recovered plastic. Colour options are lavender, berry, fog, and obsidian.

Google stated the device is the first in its A range to offer its Satellite SoS service, which is available in 34 countries. The Pixel 10a achieved an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and uses a Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cover on the 6.3-inch Actua display, which the company stated is 11 per cent brighter than the Pixel 9a. It also powers up faster than the previous model, with more than 30 hours of battery life in standard trim or up to 120 hours using an extreme saving mode.

Camera modules comprise a 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide unit, which Google pitched as the best arrangement in any sub-$500 smartphone. Various tools are on hand for picture taking and editing, with AI available to do the heavy lifting when tweaking images. The unit uses Google’s Tensor G4 chip and runs its Gemini AI assistant. Orders for the device are open, with availability scheduled from 5 March.